The Best First Holy Communion Gifts for Boys: A Buying Guide
In parishes across the country children are being prepared to receive their next Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church: First Communion.
Lenten Season 101: A Guide for Everything You Need to Know
Lent is the time of spiritual preparation prior to the Easter season, just as Advent is for Christmas. Jesus taught us clearly that there is no Resurrection without the Cross, and Lent is the Churc...
8 (Spiritual) New Year's Resolutions for Catholics
January is here again, and it's time to make our annual New Year's resolutions. Every Catholic should add to their list a few spiritual resolutions designed to help them climb that mountain of faith!
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini - Giving Without Reserve
The first time I remember learning about Mother Cabrini, I was in second grade. In my Faith Formation class, we each chose a saint and wrote a report for All Saints Day. There was no internet in th...
What is a Daily Examen and Why Pray It?
St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit Order, popularized the daily Examen in his classic work, The Spiritual Exercises. The Examen, or examination of conscience, is typically prayed at the ...
What Does It Mean to be a Catholic Mystic?
Have you marveled at accounts of the saints who received spiritual consolations and supernatural experiences, then wondered how they achieved that "special something" beyond the rest of us? We ofte...
St. Carlo Acutis...Pray For Us!
In many ways, Carlo Acutis was a regular teenager. He wore Nike shoes, loved sports, and was tech-savvy. He was also exceptional. In fact, he is on his way to becoming the first millennial saint of...
Don't Name (Or Try to Discover the Name Of) Your Guardian Angel
One of the beautiful and consoling teachings of the Catholic Church is that each one of us has a Guardian Angel given to us by God to lead us on the path to salvation.Beside each believer stands an...
Who Were Saints Cosmas & Damian?
After hearing the names of these holy men in the Roman Cannon (or Eucharistic Prayer I) for years, I finally learned their story. Like all stories of the saints, it's fascinating, inspiring, and re...
5 Reasons for Seeking Spiritual Silence & How to Begin
Silence does not come naturally to me. My brain is frequently spinning plates. I am inclined to "talk to think." Retreating interiorly in silence and prayer takes focus and discipline for us extro...